How does the use of smartphones affect cervical region structures?

Abstract

Postural changes occurring during prolonged smartphone usage may be associated with impaired proprioception, altered musculoskeletal dynamics, and structural alterations in the cervical region. This study aimed to investigate the association between smartphone addictive use and cervical paraspinal muscles morphology and vertebral degeneration in patients with chronic neck pain (NP). This study included 119 patients with chronic NP. The cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the paraspinal muscles were quantified from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slices using the software program ImageJ 1.53. The relationship between the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and cervical paraspinal CSAs as well as cervical intervertebral disc degeneration was analyzed. A weak positive correlation was observed between SAS-SV scores and degeneration at C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 (p<0.05). Conversely, a weak negative correlation existed between SAS-SV and the CSAs of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), trapezius, scalene muscles (anterior, middle, posterior), multifidus, multifidus+semispinalis, levator scapulae muscles and the posterolateral, lateral, and anterior muscle groups (p<0.05). Prolonged smartphone use may be associated with subtle reductions in cervical paraspinal muscle CSA and increased disc degeneration; however, these associations remain modest and should be interpreted cautiously. Given the prevalence of smartphones in contemporary lifestyles, individuals with neck pain may benefit from limiting continuous device use and incorporating postural breaks. Patients may also benefit from appropriately designed exercise programs aimed at improving cervical stability, reducing pain, and preserving paraspinal muscle integrity and function.